Word Origin & History

garrote 1622, "Spanish method of capital punishment by strangulation," from Sp. garrote "stick for twisting cord," of unknown origin, perhaps from O.Fr. guaroc "club, stick, rod, shaft of a crossbow," probably ultimately Celtic. But possibly from Frank. *wrokkan "to twist" (cf. M.Du. wroken "to twist"). The verb meaning "to execute with a garrote" is from 1851; sense of "choking and then robbing" is from 1852."I have no hesitation in pronouncing death by the garrot, at once the most manly, and the least offensive to the eye." [Major John Richardson, "British Legion," 1837]

Example Sentences for garroter

"I know the way," whispered the garroter, and a few gathered around him.

In his youth he had been a highwayman, and probably a garroter.

He was a garroter by profession, accustomed to rely upon his fists only for the exchange of amenities.

A garroter lay on the roof ready to entangle me with his noose if I should escape the dagger of the old hag.

He is a harmless enough fellow, Parker by name, a garroter by trade, and a remarkable performer upon the jew's-harp.

He is a harmless enough fellow, Parker by name, a garroter by trade, and a remarkable performer upon the Jew's harp.

One hand of the garroter was on his throat, the other was busily rifling his pockets.